NCJ Number
75540
Journal
Corrective and Social Psychiatry and Journal of Behavior Technology Methods and Therapy Volume: 27 Issue: 1 Dated: (1981) Pages: 1-13
Date Published
1981
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The results of an investigation to determine the influences of group counseling and training in problemsolving skills for promoting personal change are reported.
Abstract
The 60 subjects in this study were juvenile probationers assigned to a counseling group, group problem problemsolving training, or a nontreatent group. Participants completed the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS), the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior (FIRO-B), the Life Skills Problem Checklist (LSPCL), and a Progress Checklist. On the TSCS, group training produced a significantly greater increase in self-satisfaction than group counseling. Training also produced an increase in self-concept scale adjusted means and a decrease in the LSPCL adjusted mean scores. Training was also more effective than counseling in meeting participants' perceived needs as measured by the Progress Checklist. Results of the FIRO-B indicated that counseling was more effective in assisting participants in developing more realistic affectional responses; however, training was more effective in giving participants increased confidence in dealing with others. FIRO-B data suggested that training might require more time for effectiveness than counseling. Open-ended posttreatment questioning indicated that participants associated greater perceived self-change from training than counseling. Training had a somewhat greater impact than counseling; however, the participants may have been less disturbed than initially assumed and therefore possessing greater life skills than expected. Also, the participants may have lied to provide socially desirable answers. A footnote and a 70-item bibliography are included.